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Lawmakers to vote on economy, jobs bill

The Minnesota House is set to vote Monday on a funding package for economic development programs, foreign trade offices and job training.

It's the first budget measure to hit the floor this session. The omnibus jobs and economic development finance bill includes new money for expanding business incentives, youth workforce grants, three new trade offices in foreign markets and rebates for television and film production. DFL House Majority Leader Erin Murphy of St. Paul said the bill will help grow the state economy.

"Our job bill invests in proven strategies like the Minnesota Investment Fund and the trade office, so that we're able to compete globally and we can continue to work on the jobs skills gap in Minnesota that we know exists. That will contribute to better paying jobs and people getting back to work," Murphy said.

House Minority leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said Republicans will try to make some adjustments to the bill before they decide to support it. He did not specify which changes Republicans were seeking. DFL leaders said they expect to pass all of their budget bills by the end of the month.